AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 – Rs.77840 Salary, Apply for 119 Posts

AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 is officially open — the High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati has released Notification No.118/2026-RC on 25.09.2026, inviting online applications for 119 posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division) in the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial Service. With a pay scale of Rs.77,840 – Rs.1,36,520 per month, this is one of the most prestigious and high-paying government law jobs in Andhra Pradesh this year. This guide is for law graduates and judicial service aspirants in Andhra Pradesh who want complete, verified details before applying.

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📋 Table of Contents

What Is AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026?

AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 refers to the official notification issued by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati for filling 119 vacancies in the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division) in the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial Service. The recruitment is governed by the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial (Service and Cadre) Rules, 2026 and is conducted in two modes — Direct Recruitment (96 posts) and Recruitment by Transfer (23 posts).

This is a permanent gazetted government judicial post under the AP State Government. Selected candidates are designated as Trainee Judicial Officers for one year at the Judicial Academy before being confirmed to the regular post. The Civil Judge (Junior Division) handles civil court matters at the district level across Andhra Pradesh.

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The selection process consists of three stages: a Computer Based Screening Test (100 marks), a Written Examination comprising three papers (Civil Laws, Criminal Laws, and English — 300 marks total), and a Viva Voce (50 marks). Only candidates who clear each stage progressively are considered for final merit listing.

Who Should Apply for AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026?

• ⚖️ Fresh Law Graduates (LLB): All law graduates who obtained their degree at least one year before the notification date (as of 25.09.2026) are eligible under Direct Recruitment.
• 🏛️ Practising Advocates in Andhra Pradesh: Those already enrolled with the Bar Council of AP who want to transition into the judiciary as a Civil Judge.
• 👩‍⚖️ Women Law Graduates: Dedicated reservation posts are available — 13 posts (Open Competition), 3 (EWS), 2 (BC-A), 3 (BC-B), 2 (BC-D), 1 (BC-E), 2 (SC-II), 2 (SC-III), and 2 (ST) under Direct Recruitment.
• ♿ Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: Age relaxation of 10 years over the standard limit is provided; specific horizontal reservation posts exist for blind, deaf, locomotor disability, and intellectual disability candidates.
• 📋 Court/Judicial Service Staff (Transfer Route): Section Officers, Court Officers, Scrutiny Officers, Accounts Officers, System Officers, Typists, and other court staff of the AP High Court and district judiciary who hold a law degree and are confirmed/on probation in their current role.
• 🎖️ Ex-Servicemen: Defence service veterans whose period of military service is excluded from age computation for Direct Recruitment eligibility.
• 🧑‍🎓 SC/ST/BC/EWS Candidates: Reserved category candidates who get relaxed qualifying marks in the written exam and Viva Voce — ideal for those aiming at the judiciary through the reserved route.
• 📌 AP State Government Employees in Legal Roles: Assistant Public Prosecutors, Senior APPs, Additional Public Prosecutors Grade-II, Section Officers in Law Department, and Government Pleaders are eligible under the Transfer route.

Vacancy Details — Category-Wise Breakdown

The total 119 vacancies are split across Direct Recruitment (96 posts) and Recruitment by Transfer (23 posts). Below is the complete category-wise breakdown as per the official notification:

Direct Recruitment — 96 Posts

Recruitment by Transfer — 23 Posts

Note: The High Court reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of vacancies or cancel the notification at any stage. Selection against BC-E vacancy will be subject to the outcome of Civil Appeal Nos.2628-2637/2010 pending before the Supreme Court of India.

AP Civil Judge 2026 — Salary and Pay Scale Details

The pay scale for Civil Judge (Junior Division) in Andhra Pradesh is Rs.77,840 – Rs.1,36,520 per month as per the AP State Judicial (Service and Cadre) Rules, 2026. This is a significant improvement over earlier pay scales and makes this one of the highest-paying entry-level government jobs available to law graduates in Andhra Pradesh.

During the compulsory one-year training at the Judicial Academy, selected candidates (designated as Trainee Judicial Officers) are paid a fixed emolument equivalent to one-half (50%) of the regular Civil Judge pay. After successful completion of training, they undergo one year of structured Law Clerkship before being confirmed on the regular pay scale.

AP Civil Judge 2026 — Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit

Educational Qualification

• For Direct Recruitment: All law graduates who have obtained a Law Degree (LLB) preceding at least one year as on the date of Notification (25.09.2026) are eligible. This is as per the judgment in Bhumika Trust Vs. Union of India and others in Writ Petition (Civil) No.1110/2025, dated 21.08.2026 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, and pending amendments to the AP State Judicial (Service and Cadre) Rules, 2026.
• For Recruitment by Transfer: Applicants must possess a Degree in Law (LLB) awarded by any university established by law in India and must be a confirmed member or approved probationer in eligible categories.
• Good character and freedom from any physical/mental infirmity that renders the person unfit for appointment.

Age Limit

Application Fee

Disqualification Criteria

Candidates are NOT eligible if they: are not Indian citizens; have been dismissed from judicial or government service; have been convicted of moral turpitude; are permanently debarred by any UPSC/SPSC; have more than one wife living (or knowingly married a person with a living spouse); have been arrested for crimes involving moral turpitude; or have been of doubtful integrity in any year of service.

How to Apply Online for AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the official website: Go to aphc.gov.in — the official portal of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati. The online application portal will be live from 01.10.2026.
2. Find the Recruitment Notification: Navigate to the “Recruitment” or “Notifications” section and locate Notification No.118/2026-RC for Civil Judge (Junior Division).
3. Read the full notification PDF: Download and carefully read the complete 12-page official notification before filling in the application form. Check all eligibility criteria, fee, and document requirements.
4. Register and fill the online application form: Create a new applicant account, enter your personal details, educational qualifications, community/category details, and choose 3 preferred examination centres in order of preference (Guntur, Kurnool, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam).
5. Upload required documents: Upload scanned copies of — SSC/Date of Birth Certificate, Law Degree Certificate, Community Certificate (if applicable), Disability Certificate (if claiming PwD reservation), EWS Certificate (if applicable, issued in 2025 or 2026), NOC from employer (for Transfer route), and Discharge Certificate (for Ex-Servicemen).
6. Pay the application fee: Pay Rs.1,500 (General/EWS/BC) or Rs.750 (SC/ST/PwD) online through the payment gateway. The fee is non-refundable.
7. Submit and save confirmation: Review all details carefully — once submitted, no edits are permitted. Submit the application before 26.10.2026 by 11:59 PM. Save and print the submission confirmation for your records.
8. Download Hall Ticket: Hall tickets for the Computer Based Screening Test will be available for download one week before the Screening Test date. Keep visiting aphc.gov.in for updates.

Important: No other mode of application (offline, postal, email) will be entertained. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be summarily rejected. Candidates must produce original certificates on the verification day specified by the High Court.

AP Civil Judge 2026 — Exam Pattern and Selection Process

The selection process for AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 consists of three stages conducted by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

Key Qualifying Marks

• Screening Test: Minimum 40% to be short-listed. Screening marks are NOT added to the written exam score.
• Written Exam (for Viva eligibility — Direct Recruitment): OC/EWS — 55% in Paper-I & II individually + 60% aggregate | BC — 50% in each paper + 55% aggregate | SC/ST/PwD — 45% in each paper + 50% aggregate.
• Written Exam (for Viva eligibility — Transfer Route): 55% in Paper-I & II individually + 60% aggregate.
• Final Selection (Written + Viva combined): OC/EWS — 60% aggregate | BC — 55% aggregate | SC/ST/PwD — 50% aggregate. Transfer candidates — 60% aggregate.
• Viva Voce: Carries 50 marks. Absence from Viva disqualifies the candidate.
• Merit tie-breaking: Age (elder preferred) → Higher educational qualification → Higher marks in prescribed educational qualification.

Syllabus for AP Civil Judge Screening Test and Written Examination 2026

Civil Laws (Paper-I)

• The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
• The Indian Contract Act, 1872
• The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
• The Hindu Succession Act, 1956
• The Indian Easements Act, 1882
• The Specific Relief Act, 1963
• The Limitation Act, 1963
• The Transfer of Property Act, 1882
• The Civil Rules of Practice
• The Registration Act, 1908 and Indian Stamp Act, 1899
• The A.P. Land Encroachment Act, 1905
• The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
• The Bharatiya Sakshya Abhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)

Criminal Laws (Paper-II)

• The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
• The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
• The Indian Penal Code, 1860
• The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)
• The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)
• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)
• The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
• The Criminal Rules of Practice
• The A.P. Excise Act, 1968
• The A.P. Gaming Act, 1974
• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
• The Information Technology Act, 2000
• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
• The A.P. Forest Act, 1967

English — Paper-III

• Part-I (40 marks): Translation — English to Telugu and Telugu to English.
• Part-II (60 marks): Essay Writing on Legal Subjects only.
• Minimum 40% required in each part; Paper-III marks not counted for Viva eligibility or final selection — only Paper-I and Paper-II marks plus Viva Voce are used.

Civil Judge vs Advocate — Which Career Path Should You Choose?

Pros and Cons of Joining AP Judicial Service as Civil Judge

Advantages

• ✅ Highest entry-level law salary in AP: Rs.77,840/month starting pay — far above most state PSC posts.
• ✅ Permanent government job with pension: Full job security with retirement pension and gratuity under AP judicial service rules.
• ✅ Clear career progression: Civil Judge → Senior Civil Judge → District Judge → High Court Judge — a defined and prestigious ladder.
• ✅ Housing and travel allowances: Government quarter or HRA, medical benefits, and TA/DA as per AP government norms.
• ✅ Judicial training at AP Judicial Academy: One year of intensive professional training, enhancing legal expertise right from the start.

Disadvantages

• ❌ Highly competitive exam: 119 vacancies against thousands of applicants; three-stage rigorous selection process.
• ❌ Transfer liability: Civil Judges are subject to transfers across districts in Andhra Pradesh — not a desk-bound city job.
• ❌ Reduced pay during training: Only 50% of regular pay during the first year at the Judicial Academy and Law Clerkship period.
• ❌ Strict conduct rules: Judicial officers are bound by high ethical standards and cannot engage in private practice or political activity.

Important Terms Related to AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026

• AP State Judicial (Service and Cadre) Rules, 2026: The governing framework that defines the recruitment process, service conditions, pay, and promotion rules for all judicial officers in Andhra Pradesh — updated in 2026.
• Viva Voce: The interview stage of the Civil Judge selection carrying 50 marks. Absence from Viva automatically disqualifies a candidate even if they qualify the written exam.
• Recruitment by Transfer: A mode where existing AP State government/judicial employees holding law degrees are appointed as Civil Judges without going through the open competitive process, subject to upper age limit of 48 years.
• Trainee Judicial Officer: The designation given to selected candidates during their compulsory one-year training at the AP Judicial Academy before confirmation to the regular post.
• NON-CREAMY LAYER Certificate: A certificate required by BC category applicants (Groups A, B, C, D, E) issued in 2025 or 2026, confirming family income is below the prescribed ceiling — mandatory for availing BC reservation.
• EWS Certificate: Economically Weaker Section Certificate issued by the Tahsildar, stating gross annual family income from all sources is below Rs.8,00,000 — valid only if issued in 2025 or 2026.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023: The new Indian Penal Code replacement that came into force in July 2024 and is now part of the AP Civil Judge 2026 Criminal Laws syllabus.
• BNSS 2023 (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita): Replacement for CrPC — a critical part of the Criminal Laws paper; candidates must thoroughly prepare this new law.
• Benchmark Disability: A disability of 40% or more as specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 — eligible for horizontal reservation and 10-year age relaxation.
• Aggregate Marks: The combined marks of Paper-I and Paper-II (excluding Paper-III) that determine eligibility for Viva Voce and the final merit list.

AP High Court Civil Judge 2026 — Important Dates and Timeline

Important Links — AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026

Conclusion — Final Thoughts on AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026

AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 is a rare and exceptional career opportunity for law graduates across Andhra Pradesh. With 119 vacancies, a pay scale of Rs.77,840 – Rs.1,36,520 per month, a structured three-stage selection process, and one of the most transparent recruitment frameworks in the state’s judicial history, this notification deserves your immediate attention. Candidates who are well-prepared in Civil Laws, Criminal Laws (including the new BNS/BNSS/BSA framework), and English can realistically secure this coveted post.

Apply online at aphc.gov.in before 26 October 2026. Do not wait until the last day — technical issues near the deadline can cost you this opportunity. Bookmark this page for updates as the High Court will post the Screening Test date and other important notices on its official website only.

Frequently Asked Questions About AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026

What is the total number of vacancies in AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026?

The total vacancy is 119 posts — comprising 96 posts under Direct Recruitment and 23 posts under Recruitment by Transfer. The vacancies are spread across Open Competition, EWS, Backward Classes (A, B, C, D, E), Scheduled Castes (Group I, II, III), and Scheduled Tribes with specific horizontal reservation for women and persons with benchmark disabilities.

What is the salary of a Civil Judge (Junior Division) in Andhra Pradesh 2026?

The pay scale for Civil Judge (Junior Division) in AP is Rs.77,840 – Rs.1,36,520 per month as per the AP State Judicial (Service and Cadre) Rules, 2026. During the one-year training period at the Judicial Academy, candidates receive 50% of this pay as a training stipend. After confirmation on the regular post, they receive the full pay along with DA, HRA, and other government allowances.

What is the last date to apply for AP High Court Civil Judge 2026?

The last date to submit the online application for AP High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 is 26 October 2026 by 11:59 PM. The application portal opens on 01 October 2026 at aphc.gov.in. No other mode of application will be accepted and no extensions have been announced as of the notification date.

What is the age limit for AP Civil Judge Junior Division 2026?

For Direct Recruitment, candidates must not have completed 35 years of age as on 01.09.2026. SC/ST/BC/EWS candidates get 5 years relaxation (maximum 40 years). Persons with Benchmark Disabilities get 10 years relaxation (maximum 45 years). Ex-Servicemen’s defence service period is excluded from age calculation. For Recruitment by Transfer, the upper age limit is 48 years as on 01.09.2026.

What is the selection process for AP High Court Civil Judge 2026?

The selection process has three stages. First is a Computer Based Screening Test (CBT) of 100 MCQs for 100 marks (2 hours) — candidates scoring 40%+ are short-listed in a 1:10 ratio. Second is a Written Examination with three papers — Civil Laws (100 marks, 3 hours), Criminal Laws (100 marks, 3 hours), and English Translation + Essay (100 marks, 3 hours). Third is a Viva Voce of 50 marks. Screening test marks are not added to the written exam score.

What documents are required for the AP Civil Judge 2026 application?

Candidates must upload: SSC/Date of Birth certificate, Law Degree (LLB) certificate, Community/Caste Certificate (SC/ST/BC as applicable), EWS Certificate (if claiming EWS reservation — issued in 2025 or 2026 by Tahsildar), Non-Creamy Layer Certificate for BC categories (issued in 2025 or 2026), Disability Certificate from Medical Board (for PwD candidates), and Discharge Certificate (for Ex-Servicemen). Transfer route candidates additionally need the employer’s NOC and a service/conduct certificate.

What is the syllabus for the AP High Court Civil Judge Screening Test 2026?

The Screening Test covers both Civil Laws and Criminal Laws. Civil Laws include the CPC 1908, Indian Contract Act 1872, Hindu Marriage Act 1955, Hindu Succession Act 1956, Transfer of Property Act 1882, Specific Relief Act 1963, Indian Evidence Act 1872, Bharatiya Sakshya Abhiniyam 2023, and several AP-specific Acts. Criminal Laws include the IPC 1860, CrPC 1973, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), POCSO Act 2012, IT Act 2000, and other relevant statutes.

Is there any negative marking in the AP Civil Judge Screening Test 2026?

The official notification does not specify negative marking for the Computer Based Screening Test. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice objective-type questions for 100 marks over 2 hours. However, candidates are advised to regularly check aphc.gov.in for any updated instructions as the test-specific rules may be communicated in the Hall Ticket or a separate notification before the exam date.

What happens after selection as Civil Judge in AP — what is the training process?

Selected candidates are designated as Trainee Judicial Officers and undergo one year of intensive training at the AP Judicial Academy, receiving 50% of regular pay as stipend. After successfully completing the Academy training, they undergo one year of structured Law Clerkship — first six months under the Principal District/District and Sessions Judges, and the next six months under a Hon’ble Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh. After a satisfactory evaluation report, they are confirmed on the regular post with the full pay scale of Rs.77,840 – Rs.1,36,520 per month.

Can I apply for AP Civil Judge 2026 if I appeared in LLB final year exam recently?

No. The eligibility condition specifies that candidates must have obtained their Law Degree preceding at least one year as on the date of the Notification (25.09.2026). This means your LLB degree must have been awarded on or before 25.09.2025. Candidates who appeared in or passed LLB after September 2025 are not eligible under the current notification. This condition is as per the Supreme Court judgment in Bhumika Trust Vs. Union of India and others (WP Civil No.1110/2025, dated 21.08.2026).

Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: Official Notification No.118/2026-RC, High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati, dated 25.09.2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information.

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